Jail for robber who stole cash and cigarettes from Cregagh Road off-licence

William McGreevy, from Strandburn Park in the city, was told his actions caused “extreme distress” to the customers in the Winemark who he ordered to lie on the floor.

Belfast Crown Court heard that after McGreevy fled the off-licence with cash and cigarettes and was due to drive from the scene, a customer gave chase and was able to grab a set of car keys from him.

The 40-year old was told by Judge Gordon Kerr that he will serve half his sentence in custody, with the remaining three-and-a-half years spent on supervised licence, for the “appalling crime.”

Prior to sentencing, Judge Kerr heard that McGreevey targeted the Winemark store on the Cregagh Road on November 5, 2014. Wearing a baseball hat to try and hide his identity, McGreevy branished a knife before forcing staff to hand over cash and cigarettes.

As he was leaving the off-licence with £209 in cash and £576-worth of cigarettes, McGreevy threatened customers and told them to lie on the floor. However, one man gave chase and as McGreevy was trying to drive away, the customer grabbed McGreevy’s car keys.

The man’s actions were praised by Judge Kerr, who said he displayed “courage and determination” in trying to stop the robber’s getaway.

McGreevy did manage to flee the scene in a taxi, paying the driver with a packet of cigars he had just stolen.

When he was subsequently arrested, McGreevy initially denied involvement to police. However, he has since pleaded guilty to robbing the premises.

The court heard that McGreevy has a “significant” criminal record, and that the robbery was committed whilst on bail.

A defence barrister said that at the time of the offence, McGreevy had issues with drugs.

Saying McGreevy has since displayed remorse for his actions, the barrister spoke of the impact his imprisonment has had on his children.